Attractions

Attractions

The National Art Center, Tokyo

The National Art Center, Tokyo is a unique and innovative art exhibition facility: Instead of maintaining a permanent collection, it makes the most of a total of 14,000 square meters of exhibition space, the largest in Japan, and focuses on serving as a venue for various art exhibitions.

Tokyo Tower

The world’s tallest self-supporting steel tower is modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris and stands as a 333-meter testament to Japan’s economic rebirth in the late 1950s. The main observatory is 150 meters high and a special observatory at 250 meters gives visitors an unforgettable view of Tokyo and sometimes, Mount Fuji. An aquarium and wax museum are part of the ground floor attractions.

Tokyo Disney Land and Sea Park

The first Disney park to be built outside the United States, Tokyo Disneyland features seven themed areas including the World Bazar, Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Critter Country and Mickey’s Toontown.

Sky Hop Bus

This open-top double-decker bus gives you unlimited rides to enjoy all the sights Tokyo has to offer. The tour route includes the most recommended sights of the city and is a convenient transportation for both sightseeing and shopping without worrying about navigating the trains. Please contact Bell Desk for ticket arrangements and further information.

Culture

Imperial Palace

The stronghold of the Tokugawa shoguns during the Edo period, the Imperial Palace is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. Despite its location in the heart of Tokyo, broad green space gives comfort amid the bustling excitement of the city. There are some historical sites, such as the remains and gardens of Edo Castle and exhibitions of artworks handed down within the Imperial household.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

One of the established Shinto shrines in Japan. It is a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Surrounded by vast woods located in the center of the city, visitors can enjoy the sacred atmosphere.

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

The oldest temple in Tokyo, located in the heart of downtown Tokyo. The shopping street of over 200 meters, called Nakamise, leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon. Besides typical Japanese souvenirs such as kimono cloths and folding fans, a variety of traditional local snacks such as rice crackers, sponge cake with sweet bean paste, are sold along the Nakamise street.

Tsukiji Fish Market

One of the largest fish markets in the world famous for the Tuna auction. By visiting in the morning, you will get to see a vibrant market with many buyers. Stroll around the inner and outer markets to see more than 1,000 specialty shops with fish, seaweed, dried beans, vegetables, Japanese kitchen utensils and more. You can also try one of the freshest sushi ever for a light morning snack. Due to new regulation at the market, it is required to be on line for 30 - 45 minutes to get admission for tuna auction with your guide. Admission is not guaranteed, first-comes and first-serves basis.

Yanaka

Dotted with temples and shrines, this area is popular for nostalgic strolls and viewing old wooden architecture. Some structures have been standing for over 100 years. The Japanese way of life from days long past is still evident here, visible in the long alleyways lined with narrow fronted row houses, the many named hills and stairways, and the traditional malls where local residents mingle. It’s a great spot to stroll and feel a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Local Recreation

Bicycle Rental

Take to the open road with The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo to enjoy a ride on a trendy Bianchi bicycle. Joyride guests will also receive items including two water bottles, cycling map, and a helmet as you wish. Perfectly situated in the heart of Tokyo Midtown, guests who partake of this service can easily bike to popular sights including the Imperial Palace, National Theater of Japan, Embassies from around the world, Tokyo Tower and the Roppongi District. Please contact Bell Desk for further assistance. Starting from ￥3,000 for a three-hour ride.

Artistry Tea

Join our tea masters as they showcase their favorite blends of teas at The Lobby Lounge. An experience truly unique to The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, enjoy as they blend before your eyes your own personal tea. The experience is completed with your own take home tea. Available on every Saturday and Sunday for ￥8,000 per guest.

Sake Tasting

Sake has, over its history, developed a special cultural significance in Japan. It has become so entwined with the country’s customs and tradition. The Sake tasting is a true chance to appreciate the depth, history and fascination of Japan’s signature beverage. Please contact Concierge for further information and assistance. Applicable fees apply.

Whisky Tasting

Passion, glory, history, dignity, challenge … all of these can be found in a single drop of whisky. Private whisky tasting offering the perfect opportunity to taste premium whiskies from a selection of brands as The Bar is the city’s premier whisky lounge that has amassed a collection of over 200 of the world’s finest whisky. Please contact Concierge for further information and assistance. Applicable fees apply

Ice Skating

The open-air ice skating rink in Tokyo Midtown, home to The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo opens for the season until March 8, 2015. Daily admission fees including skate rentals for adult at ￥1,500 and child at ￥1,000. Please contact Concierge for further information and assistance.

Parks

Imperial Palace Outer Gardens

Unlike the Imperial Place, which is only open to the public January 1 and on the Emperor’s birthday, December 23, the Imperial Palace East Gardens (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen) are part of the inner palace area and are open to the public. Many idyllic spots can be found in the gardens including a small waterfall and pond. These well-kept gardens stand amid the ruins of Edo Castle with some of the original gates, walls and moats intact.

Hamarikyu garden & Ferry Boat Cruise to Asakusa

During the Edo period Hama Rikyu garden was under the ownership of the Tokugawa shogunal government as its falconry site. The garden is famous for its daimyo style garden located near the Tsukiji fish market. From here, you can go to Asakusa by ferry boat going up of the Sumida River.

Midtown Garden

Tokyo Midtown, home to The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo is covering four hectares of vast open space including Midtown Garden and Hinokicho Park. Stepping into this realm places visitors in a natural art gallery, where trees literally compete with each other for beauty. Ideal for cherry blossom viewing in the spring season.

Hinokicho Park

Tokyo Midtown, home to The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo is covering four hectares of vast open space including Midtown Garden and Hinokicho Park. A municipal park, Hinokicho Park belonging to Minato Ward, lies in the east side of Tokyo Midtown. This site was formerly the garden attached to the Azabu villa residence for the Mori Family, a member of the Hagi Clan during the Edo Period.

Shopping

Tokyo Midtown

Work, life and play converge in the stunningly designed, park-like setting of the Tokyo Midtown complex includes a hotel, residences, medical center, art museum and variety of shops and restaurants. The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo is located in Midtown Tower, which is not only the symbol tower, but also the tallest building in Tokyo.

Omotesando/Harajuku Area

Omotesando, once the main approach way to the Meiji Shrine and now famous as the Japanese equivalent of Champs-Élysées in Paris, is one of the hottest fashion centers of Japan along with the Harajuku area. Both are targeted at the younger generation and have thousands of fashion-conscious visitors both from Japan and overseas.

Ginza

Ginza was a place where they made silver coins for the Tokugawa shogunal government in the 17th century. Today, Ginza is a place where people enjoy shopping as the most established area in Japan. You will find authentic Japanese shops such as kimono, pearl, stationary (paper), sweets and more. Visit the basement floor of department stores which is dedicated only to food both from the country and the world.

Akihabara

Akihabara has been famous for the center with many electronic appliance stores, and today is a mecca for subculture such as anime. Visit “Radio Kaikan” Building or “Animate” shopping mall to explore anime freak culture. You could have a coffee break at a Maid Café where maid costume-clad female will serve you for the Japanese subculture experience.

Suggested 1 Day Travel Itinerary

Start the day off at Asakusa, the place attracts visitors from all over the world looking for a taste of traditional downtown Tokyo. Take a guided tour by Jinrikisha, a two-wheeled passenger car pulled by a man also called as a rickshaw, to explore Asakusa to see the historical sight and it is an ideal cultural experience.

Afterwards, visit Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, located in the heart of downtown Tokyo and where a distinctive local culture had been developed during the Edo Period. The shopping street of over 200 meters, called Nakamise, leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon is the perfect souvenir hunting to get typical Japanese items such as kimono cloths.

While you are in the area, Tokyo Skytree, the world's highest standalone broadcast tower at 634 meters in height, is a must-visit spot in Tokyo. Enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck.

Finish off your busy day with dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo’s re-mastered Japanese restaurant, Hinokizaka, to enjoy the true essence of traditional, yet contemporary Japanese cuisine.